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I clamped my jaw shut, grinding my teeth. Fuck.
Jessica sighed, her shoulders slumping. “At least, I’m ninety-nine percent certain. My parents are fated mates, so I know the signs. I know that look you get in your eyes when she’s around. And how you two practically gravitate toward each other, without even realizing it. Like there’s no one else around, even in a room full of people. I saw it countless times the night of the ball.”
I blew out a breath. “You can’t tell anyone.”
She lifted her brows, surprised. “Does Kayden know?”
I nodded. “But no one else can find out. You know the laws as well as I do. I don’t know what my father would do if he found out. I won’t risk it.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know, Jessica.”
“Well, you better figure it out fast. I can’t imagine what it must be like for her, having to watch you date all these other women. It would drive me crazy, that’s for sure.”
I paused, taking that in. “I hadn’t thought of it that way before. Is she jealous?”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “Guys are so thickheaded sometimes. Just do a better job of letting her know how you feel, okay? I don’t think you could go wrong with that. But for fate’s sake, stop letting the world see it plain on your face.”
“Thank you. I mean it.”
She gave me a soft smile. She was a good person and would make someone an excellent wife one day. That man just wasn’t me. I offered her my arm. “You ready to finish up this night? Poor Garrett’s been alone all evening. Maybe you can keep him entertained.”
Jessica gave me an amused glance as we strolled back down the deck to rejoin the others. “I don't think Garrett needs any help from me.”
Sure enough, he was laughing and joking with the women near the bar.
It was only once I’d moved on to my next date that I realized I hadn’t mentioned the position on the council.
26
KAYDEN
My knuckles were white as I gripped the ship’s aft railing, my stomach in knots. Holden’s words echoed in my mind as I stared out at the dark waters.This is why the law exists. And he was right.
The mate bond was stronger than anything I’d imagined, and I was only beginning to realize its power. How many choices had I made since I’d been here based on my feelings for Holden? Many of them completely irrational.
Holden had the weight of the world on his shoulders; responsibility for his pack was what would always come first for him. That loyalty was something I admired and respected, and I was affecting his ability to make the right decision.
The most frustrating thing was that his reasons were honorable. But Branson wasn’t someone to be trifled with. I knew what Holden needed to do, and if he were thinking straight, he’d know it too.
My jaw ached from grinding my teeth. I turned from the railing just as Holden brought Jessica out from the back of the ship. The sight of him sent a pang of longing through me. I’d let myself hope he’d find a way past the laws, but now I questioned if that was even the right thing. Could I be so selfish as to compromise his ability to act as alpha?
I kept to the back of the group, in the shadows. My chest tightened as Holden came forward with a smile for everyone.
“Thank you, ladies, for a wonderful evening,” Holden said. “Garrett and I will be retiring for the evening. The boat has docked, but feel free to stay for one last drink if you wish.” He smiled again, then gestured to his beta to follow, disappearing below deck without even looking at me.
Everyone seemed thrilled to take Holden up on his offer of another drink, but I certainly wasn’t in the mood. I stood back watching, my breath shallow as I realized that despite what Holden said, it was a very real possibility that he could choose another one of these women. He was already seeing the danger of us being together.
“Are you okay?” Jessica asked, coming over to me, also declining another drink. She’d seen how upset I’d been when I came from my date with Holden, but she hadn’t pushed me to know why. Something I was grateful for.
I gave her a small smile. “Just ready to get back to my room.”
Laughter caught my attention as Sydnee and Madison stood in the center of the deck, smirks on their faces.
“Has anyone ever taken their wolf swimming?” Sydnee asked, her eyebrows arched as she looked innocently around the group.
Most of the women chimed in with a yes, and I nodded my head. Part of my pack lands were on the coast.
